Keith Perry claims his heart and soul are in Bedlington Terriers and that he’s desperate for the storm clouds to pass over Dr Pitt Welfare Park.

Ahead of tomorrow’s Ebac Northern League First Division game at home to Shildon, he said: “The club is in court today fighting a winding-up petition and I’m hoping all goes well.

“I was born and bred in Bedlington and the club means an awful lot to me.

“Apart from an 18-month spell, I’ve been here for 20 seasons.

“We’ve been down this road before – although things weren’t quite so bad – and the mist cleared then so here’s hoping everything can get sorted.

“It’s no good trying to deny that the off-the-field problems haven’t affected the players, they have, but they’ve been as good as gold.

“Our job is to keep focused in every game and with four home games coming up we have the chance to put points on the board – and bring in some revenue.”

Perry has lost one or two players recently, but their departure had nothing to do with the current situation.

Kris Gate went to Australia and Adam Wilkinson joined West Auckland Town, while Steve Bowey and Gareth McAlindon took up managerial positions with Newcastle Benfield.

Tomorrow, Perry and his assistant Neil Saxton, who last season was in charge of Whickham, again name Dylan Williamson.

“Dylan has stepped up and looks good,” Perry added. “We also have goalkeeper Jack Pickering in contention, but Tony Shandran is still out.

“Three points tomorrow would lift everybody’s spirits. We still have something to play for. Apart from the fact we are in the top six, we are also well advanced in the Northumberland FA Senior Cup.

“On the field we are OK. I’m keeping my fingers crossed we can overcome the winding-up petition.”

South Shields boss Jon King is confident his side can avoid the drop, despite their precarious position going into tomorrow’s clash at home to Hebburn Town.

He said: “Two wins on the bounce lifted us off the bottom for the first time in weeks and all of a sudden there is an air of optimism around the place.

The lads defended like lions last week when we played much of the second half with only nine players and if they stay mentally strong, we’ll make it.”

Recently, King has brought in Denver Morris from Newcastle Benfield, Andrew Thompson (Consett), Jordan Fraser (Sunderland RCA), Colin White (Washington) and Kenny Ball, who was playing for Chester-le-Street Whitehills in the Northern Alliance.

“The five lads will be in the squad tomorrow,” said King. “It’s a cup final and a local derby rolled into one.

“I know Hebburn have hit a rough patch lately but they are a very good team, however, now that there is a bit of self belief among the players, I’m confident we can give them a game.”